Your internet service relies on bandwidth to deliver data from the internet to your devices and vice versa. Bandwidth is measured in bits (b) per second and data is calculated in bytes (B). A byte is eight times bigger than a bit, which means a connection that operates at eight megabits per second (Mbps) can transmit one megabyte (MB) of data per second.

To determine the right internet service for your home, you must compute your usage based on the following variables:

• Nature of Applications: Browsing the web and using social media requires less bandwidth than streaming videos and downloading files. If you plan to use the internet mostly for cloud sharing and playing games, find a service that has a high symmetrical bandwidth, which means the upload speed is on par with the download speed.

• Number of Users: The number of people who use a connection is a primary consideration when selecting an internet service plan. You need enough bandwidth to accommodate everyone during peak hours without lagging or latency issues. The more people connected to your network, the higher your internet speed should be. If you’re the only user, you probably can make do with one or two Mbps. If you’re sharing your plan with family members, get one that’s four Mbps or more.

• Devices: Aside from the usual smartphones and computers, many households have devices that are continuously connected to the internet. This includes gaming consoles, security systems, streaming boxes, and smart appliances. These devices consume bandwidth even while at rest, so keep this in mind when you arrange internet access.

Taking these factors into account is essential to choosing the right plan. For dependable high-speed internet service, call TSC at (419) 739-2200. This Wapakoneta-based telephone company has been providing web hosting, cable TV, and internet solutions throughout Auglaize County, OH, since 1995. Visit their website to check out their service bundles and follow them on Twitter for more advice from the high-speed internet company.